University of Leicester scientists’ research supports a theory that enzymes use quantum-mechanical effects such as tunnelling to facilitate passage of a reaction through, rather than over, an energy barrier.

The discovery has wide-ranging implications for the use of enzymes in industry and biomedical research, since the new theory is likely to underpin the mode of action of all enzymes, the scientists believe. “For example, the new discovery questions current approaches used to rationally design enzyme inhibitors for the production of pharmaceuticals or novel enzyme catalysts for industrial applications,” says Professors Nigel Scrutton.

University of Leicester news release